Automatic depth control system for an agricultural implement

Abstract

An agricultural implement system is provided that includes an implement, and a fluid control unit configured to mount to a tow vehicle. The agricultural implement system also includes a depth control cylinder mounted to a frame of the implement and fluidly coupled to the fluid control unit. The depth control cylinder is configured to adjust a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the implement by varying a height of a ground engaging wheel. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a sensor communicatively coupled to the fluid control unit and configured to output signals indicative of the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool. The fluid control unit is configured to automatically control fluid flow to the depth control cylinder based on the signals to maintain a user-selectable penetration depth.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The invention relates generally to ground working equipment, such as agricultural equipment, and more specifically, to an automatic depth control system for an agricultural implement.[0002]Certain agricultural implements include a frame having multiple ground engaging tools configured to till soil. Such implements may also include depth control cylinders extending between the frame and respective ground engaging wheels. The depth control cylinders are configured to adjust a penetration depth of the ground engaging tools by varying a height of the wheels relative to the frame. For example, the depth control cylinders may be fluidly coupled to a manually operated directional control valve within a tow vehicle, such as a tractor. In such a configuration, an operator may selectively supply pressurized fluid to a rod side or a cap side of each depth control cylinder to adjust a height of the frame relative to the soil surface. Certain implements employ a depth stop valve ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]The present invention provides an agricultural implement system including a fluid control unit mounted to a tow vehicle and configured to automatically adjust a height of an implement frame to maintain a user-selectable penetration depth of ground engaging tools. In an exemplary embodiment, the agricultural implement system includes a fluid control unit configured to mount to a tow vehicle. The agricultural implement system also includes an implement having a frame, a ground engaging tool rigidly coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging wheel configured to support the frame during operation of the implement. The agricultural implement system further includes a depth control cylinder mounted to the frame and fluidly coupled to the fluid control unit. The depth control cylinder is configured to adjust a penetration depth of the ground engaging tool by varying a height of the ground engaging wheel relative to the frame. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a sensor communicatively coupled to the fluid control unit and configured to output signals indicative of the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool. The fluid control unit is configured to automatically control fluid flow to the depth control cylinder based on the signals to maintain a user-selectable penetration depth. Because the fluid control unit automatically controls the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool based on input from the sensor, a manually operated depth stop valve located on the implement may be obviated. As a result, an operator may adjust penetration depth without stopping the tow vehicle, thereby substantially reducing the duration of tillage operations.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, to vary the penetration depth of such an implement, the operator must stop the tow vehicle, approach the implement, and manually adjust the depth stop valve.

Such a procedure may significantly increase the duration of tillage operations.

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